Replies

1. 
   charlesm | Oct 25, 2006 08:48pm | #1

   I hope that you can find opinions from some people you trust and don't put too much stock in anonymous reviews from the internet.

   **Rant mode on**
   Out of 8 reviews there were three that were not thrilled. One of them never even tried the tool, another just wasn't bright enough to figure out how it works. The latest was a guy who kept using the tool after having a minor problem. All he has to do is get it repaired under the 5 YEAR warranty.
   **Rant mode off**

   Charles M

   Freud America, Inc.

1. 
   GW52 | Oct 25, 2006 08:55pm | #2

   It is really great to see that some of the manufactures read these forums. Maybe more should.

   Greg

1. 
   cowtown | Nov 14, 2006 12:06pm | #20

   greg was saying...It is really great to see that some of the manufactures read these forums. Maybe more should.and maybe he's right. perhaps then we might see stuff like this....http://www.dewalt.co.uk/products.asp?lid=1&mktid=2&catno=D27111Course if you wanna ask anyone if DeVault why not, it just ain't simply possible.....no corp culpability I could find on the net. kinda makes you vunder don't it.Eric

2. 
   mike_b | Oct 25, 2006 11:57pm | #6

   <**Rant mode on**>Your Rant mode obviously does not have a soft start.

1. 
   dgreen | Oct 26, 2006 01:10am | #7

   Plenty of torque though!------------------------------------

    The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools. -- Herbert Spencer (1891)

3. 
   woddy1031 | Nov 11, 2006 02:10am | #17

   Charles

   Thanks for your response. Based on the last post in this thread, I'm goinng to order the 1700 tonight.

    

   Thanks for your help!

    

2. 
   mufti | Oct 25, 2006 09:09pm | #3

              All my routers are 240 volt so comparison would not help, but I do like Viper cutters which I find to be exceedingly satisfactory. Bit expensive here but yer gets wot yer pays fer.

3. 
   EdHarrow | Oct 25, 2006 09:26pm | #4

   I have a Triton in a table set-up.  Bit changing is a snap (above the table). 

4. 
   Ricks503 | Oct 25, 2006 11:24pm | #5

   On bits, that has been discussed a lot - check advanced search.

   My 2cents - for value for the cost, I like Infinity and think they make excellent bits

    

    

   " There'll be no living with her now" - Captain Jack Sparrow

5. 
   JeffHeath | Oct 26, 2006 02:02am | #8

   Under my router table, I have the 3 1/4 hp Porter Cable Speedmatic 5 speed router (7518).  In my opinion, and I use it alot, it's great.  It's 5 years old, and I haven't had a single problem with it.  On the same note, I do not like the 2 hp Porter Cable Plunge router, as the switches keep burning out on me, and the plunge lock has had issues on all 3 that I own.  ( I prefer to change routers, not router bits).  I have recently purchased 2 of the Bosch 2 1/4 hp  1617EVSPK plunge routers, that also come with fixed bases, and they are working just fine with no issues. 

   My only issue with the Bosch is that they don't give you the bushing guide adapter, you have to buy it seperately.  Also, their edge guide has to be purchased, as the PC, which fits most other routers, doesn't fit the Bosch.  Oh well, I guess you can't have everything.  They work fine, though.

   Jeff

6. 
   nrench | Oct 26, 2006 02:13am | #9

   My suggestion would be to go to patwarner.com. He does a review of almost all of the main routers out there and he isn't paid by any of them so you can pretty much believe what you read.
   Nate

7. 
   JMartinsky | Oct 26, 2006 05:25am | #10

   Bosch

   John

8. 
   BruceS | Oct 26, 2006 05:46am | #11

   Whoa,  Before we go much further lets find out what you want to do with it. Tasks you want to perform? HP ? Type of table ?  Type of lift/raiser ?  Plunge or fixed base ?  Budget ?   The possibilities are quite extensive.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

9. 
   nikkiwood | Oct 26, 2006 06:39am | #12

   As someone else said earlier, it would help if you speced what type of router you are looking for.

   For a router table, there are generally two classes of router -- the big ones, like the 3 hp PC 7518 (mainly for stuff like raised panels), and the smaller 1 1/2 - 2 hp routers (mainly for edge routing).

   Usually, the big ones are used only in a router table, but the smaller ones can also be hand-held.

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

10. 
    Knotscott | Oct 27, 2006 01:27am | #13

    The FT-1700 is my fifth router and the one I choose first for router table use. My others are a small Craftsman, Freud FT2000, Milwaukee 5615, and Milwaukee 5625. The FT-1700 is a great router for table use, and is a well made unit IMO. I read those same reviews on Amazon and assumed they were bunk, as so many Amazon reviews are....there's almost no prerequisites to writing reviews or rants at will there. Epinions requirements are much higher, so the reviews tend to be better (IMHO).

    With the current offering of a free plunge base and Amazon's $25 off, $145 shipped is a great price on a really nice router.

    http://www.epinions.com/content_228357738116

    I find Holbren.com has some of the best bit deals whether you're looking for budget bits or highend.

1. 
   woddy1031 | Nov 10, 2006 11:59pm | #14

   Knotts

    

   You hit the nail on the head, I've been considering the 1700 because of it's features but the reviews scared me. How has your experience been so far with the 1700?

    

   Thanks

1. 
   Knotscott | Nov 11, 2006 12:19am | #15

   My experience has been fabulous...it's my favorite router. Amazon reviews are nearly worthless IMO...people have a shipping or customer service issue with Amazon and are allowed to write a flaming review of the product in response....there's very few requirements. I think Epinions and the forums are a better source of info.

1. 
   woddy1031 | Nov 11, 2006 02:08am | #16

   I'm going to order it tonight

    

   Thanks for your help!

11. 
    PeterDurand | Nov 12, 2006 07:13pm | #18

    The one and only Freud router I had was terrible. Mind you this was about 6-7 years ago. It was a plunge and after using it for 10 odd minutes my hands would be very sore indeed. The handles were designed in such a way that starting the thing and using the plunge feature was really awkward.

    I have owned routers from other companies since then and, although none are perfect in EVERY way, in my opinion they were all superior to the Freud as far as ergonomics is concerned.

    Good luck.

    Peter

     

1. 
   Joe | Nov 13, 2006 03:25am | #19

   Pat's site is a great resource for anything router. That said I've had a PC 518 for the better part of 15 years in my table and it's just be great!